FLEMING ISLAND —When students Layla, Amelia, Isabela and Ro are not studying for math tests and conducting super cool science experiments, they’re memorizing the choreography for yet another showstopping routine. 

For the young performers, dancing is their passion. Attending All-Starz Dance Studio on Fleming Island, their dedication is evident.  

But if you told them last year they would take their talents to a bigger-than life production, they probably wouldn’t have believed you. 

The group made their grand debut in the First Coast Nutcracker and Community Nutcracker beginning on Dec. 12. 

The weekend-long First Coast production is annually put on by the Jacksonville Symphony. The 50-year-old show features live music and over 130 local ballet dancers. 

 The Community Nutcracker, showing since 1992, features 200 local performers. 

The Nutcracker tells the tale of a young girl, Clara, who embarks on the journey with her magical Nutcracker Doll on Christmas Eve.  

Isabela and Amelia were cast in the First Coast Nutcracker as angels who lead Clara into the Land of Sweets, while Layla was part of the Rat King’s army of rats. 

Ro, who performed in the Community Nutcracker, was a party boy. Each performed in multiple shows. 

The group auditioned during an extensive and competitive process back in August.  

“They were taught a little bit of choreography that’s performed within the ballet,” said All-Starz Dance Studio Instructor Cathy Finne. “So, there’s the choreographers, and the casting directors for each of the ballets that watch them as they perform these excerpts. From there, that’s when they’re awarded with their envelopes that say if they have a role or not for that year.” 

The dancers said opening their fancy envelopes was nerve-wracking. Layla, 12, said the suspense was jarring.  

“Seeing how behind the scenes is and how they go through the process of picking everyone and the suspense of waiting and seeing if you made it,” she said about auditioning. 

Finne said they had all seen the show last year during a studio trip. The elaborate theatrics, intricate blended choreography and opportunity to train with industry professionals was a no-brainer. As competitive dancers, it would be a drastic switch. 

But Layla said she wanted to see how it felt for herself.  

Isabela, 12, said being onstage felt exhilarating. With around 3,000 eyes on them, it was one of the largest audiences she had ever performed in front of.  

Ro was the youngest to take part in his production. His mother, Gabby Thompson, said at just 8 years old, it was where he was meant to be.  

“Everybody else only take nine and up. But they took boys, 8 and up, and he was the youngest boy there,” she said. 

“It was the most amazing thing ever.” 

For each of their parents, watching their children on stage showed a step forward in the progress each has made since they started dancing, especially their dedication. 

When they weren’t at school during the week, weekends were dedicated to perfecting their craft. Amelia attends Fleming Island Elementary, Isabela attends Thunderbolt Elementary, Ro attends Swimming Pen Elementary and Layla attends Orange Park Elementary. 

“They practiced every weekend. We went to JU (Jacksonville University) every weekend since September,” said Allie Blaylock, Amelia’s mother. 

“It speaks volumes for their level of talent,” Finne said. 

Allie said that Amelia, 10, is already preparing for next year. In fact, all four already know which role they’ll be playing next.  

“It’s what they work for, right? So, it’s super rewarding as their teacher to see their hard work. I mean, these kids are here, probably majority of them, sometimes seven days a week,” Finne said. “They work super hard.”